Former President of Mexico Vicente Fox called Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. the ‘three M’s.’ Students who attended the Fox speech on Oct. 29 learned that the ‘three M’s’ were the former president’s inspirations and why he continues the struggle to better the world – at least the students that were willing to listen.

People who wished to enter Landmark Theatre had to pass protestors promoting their message through fliers, signs and candles. The protestors were embracing their constitutionally granted rights. I had no problem with their actions. It was the events that occurred inside that concerned me.

Surely we all know the story of Andrew Meyer, the University of Florida student Tasered at a John Kerry forum in Gainesville, Fla. I believe that he was out of line for refusing to leave the microphone after his time for questions had expired; however, I also believe the police were out of line for using a Taser to control the situation.

When Vicente Fox mentioned NAFTA at the Syracuse University event, an audience member stood up and shouted repeatedly, attempting to berate Fox with accusations and questions. Accusing NAFTA of ‘killing the indigenous poor’ of Mexico, the man also attacked the lack of an open microphone. As security escorted him out the back doors, he screamed, ‘Don’t Tase me, bro!’ and emitted an agonizing yell.

Frustration is one thing. People vent their frustration in many ways. This protestor was only seeking an outlet for his frustration – at the expense of everyone else in the audience. When taking a seat to hear a speaker, one should make the commitment to listen.

As a native Texan, I was there because immigration – both legal and illegal – is an issue I have dealt with every day of my life. I was curious to hear what the former Mexican president had to say about the issue. I got what I came for. Perhaps everyone else was not so lucky.

I am aware that he did not speak freely about everything nor fully answer every question. Remember, he is a politician.

Kerri Adler, a junior communication and rhetorical studies major, worked the question box for University Union before the lecture. She said she felt the shouted questions were rude.

‘He is the former president of Mexico, a politician. I feel that is just how politicians talk,’ Adler said in reference to Fox’s Q&A responses. She said she would have liked to ask questions, yet she understood the outline of the event and the organizations’ reasons.

Protest should be done responsibly. Does shouting at a distinguished guest warrant the best response? Does the protestor have a plan to ensure the welfare of those people he stood up for?

Granted, the event should have been an open forum. However, these protest outbursts explained why the organizations hosting the events felt they could not have an uncensored Q&A. We all have the right to be heard. Sadly, some people do not take the time to listen.

Jaclyn Bissell is a biweekly columnist for The Daily Orange. She can be reached at jlbissel@syr.edu.

Published on November 5, 2007 at 12:00 pm